As one of the summer’s top free agents, Paul George has been mixed up in all kinds of rumors over the past few months. The latest rumblings indicate that a new suitor has emerged as a “serious” threat to sign the two-way veteran: the Philadelphia 76ers.
“Well, the Sixers think there’s a real chance they end up with Paul George,” said The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor. “From my understanding, talking with people around the league, they think there’s a real chance he ends up leaving. No guarantees, but there’s a chance of it.”
George, a 13-year veteran, is set to become a free agent this summer after failed extension talks with the Clippers. While it’s unknown what the holdup is in the negotiations, we know that the two sides are not close to an agreement and the possibility is growing that he might not come back this summer.
As a team that’s desperately looking for a sidekick for their own star, the 76ers are an ideal match for George. With a roster that contains Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, and others, the 76ers feel they are just one piece away from finally having a breakthrough in the playoffs and a two-way star on the wing could be exactly what they need.
In the wake of James Harden’s departure, the 76ers have a void that needs to be filled, and there aren’t many who could fill it better than George. Through 74 games this season, he averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game on 47.1% shooting.
As one of the finest two-way wings in the game, Paul can change the hierarchy of contenders for years to come and a move to the 76ers might just create the NBA’s newest dynasty. Of course, the process is still ongoing and George’s fate ultimately rests on the Clippers and if they’re willing to give in to his demands.
The Clippers Have A Huge Offseason Ahead
George was traded to the Clippers back in 2019 as part of a package deal that came with Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers essentially gave up their entire stockpile of assets to bring in two superstars in one night and they expected to reap unbelievable benefits.
Instead, the Clippers have struggled to gain any traction in the West due to injuries, collapses on the court, and better teams getting in their way. After years of disappointment, the Clippers brought in James Harden as a final move to get them over the edge. But now that Harden’s debut is done and ended, with no change in success, there is reason to believe that the Clippers are losing faith in this group of stars.
Even at 34 years old, Paul George is sure to get a deal from some team this summer, especially since he’s one of the only high-profile free agents on the market in July. Besides the 76ers, the Lakers, Pacers, and New York Knicks could all have something to gain and would all be likely to get involved in a potential offseason bidding war.
